DBU Awards German Environmental Prize to ZINQ Management

Osnabrück/Gelsenkirchen – The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) has awarded this year's German Environmental Prize to Lars Baumgürtel and Dr. Birgitt Bendiek, the management duo of steel galvanizing company ZINQ. The award recognizes their commitment to resource efficiency and circular economy practices within a resource-intensive industry.

DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde highlighted ZINQ's role as an exemplary company in climate protection, commending their long-standing efforts in resource recycling and the development of sustainable, circular products. He stated that their approach is crucial for industries aiming for climate neutrality.

The award specifically acknowledges ZINQ's "Planet ZINQ" business model, which prioritizes low-CO2 products, material health, and recyclability. The company has implemented a patented micro-zinc coating process, reducing the zinc layer thickness by 80 percent and lowering energy consumption. This process aligns with the Cradle to Cradle concept, focusing on sustainability criteria.

Baumgürtel and Bendiek have been persistent in pursuing their circular business model for over two decades. Their research and development, including initiatives at the ZINQ Futurium, focus on minimizing energy usage and raw material consumption. Measures such as heat recovery, optimized control technology, and the use of green electricity have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 285,000 tons of CO2 since 2010.

The prize money of 500,000 euros is shared with climate researcher Prof. Dr. Sonia Seneviratne. The German Environmental Prize, now in its 33rd year, will be presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a ceremony in Chemnitz on October 26.